Missouri on the Front-lines of Freedom

In Part 1 of our discussion on “Nullification in Missouri”, we discussed the important work that Missouri and her concerned citizens have been doing on behalf of liberty. Largely encouraged by recent events like the Tom Woods meet-up in March at Jefferson City, and the Nullify Now event in Kansas City, we are truly starting to see a shift in the hearts and minds of our people. But there’s still work to be done, and the need for education, vigilance, and purposeful activity continues to grow greater everyday.

As Matt Evans reported from the State Capital on Sept 20, 2011, Rep. Barney Fisher (District 125) said that he didn’t believe Missouri should be doing business with governments that “trample on human rights” (1). But whatever wisdom the statement might have had, must have been lost on Governor Jay Nixon when he signed a 4.4 billion dollar trade agreement with China. After all, who needs human rights, when you can have 4 billion dollars? Still, dealing with China might not be the pot o’ gold the Governor thinks it is. This is due in part to the city of Moberly cutting a deal with China-based Mamtek, which promised six hundred new jobs. But when the company failed to make a payment on nearly 40-million dollars in bonds, Moberly had to pony-up by dipping into their own debt service reserve(2). Perhaps this is why Missouri leaders like Senate President Pro-Tem Roby Mayer, and Republican Floor Leader Tom Dempsey, thought it a good idea to discourage other China exploits, like the recent St. Louis “China Hub Legislation”.

Meanwhile, Evan McMorris-Santoro at Talking Points Memo, writes that Public Policy Polling has declared 76 percent of Missouri as vehemently opposed to ANY cuts to the Socialist Security Entitlement Program(3), . But we here at Missouri Tenth beg to differ with the highly scientific (and obviously reliable) process of polls. Why? Because Public Policy Polling, which conducted the skewed data, is sponsored by Progressive Change Campaign Committee, Democracy For America, MoveOn.org and CREDO Action. ‘Nuff said.

On October 25, 2011, Stacey Kafka reported how State Senator Rob Schaaf stated that the Missouri Health Insurance Pool (MCHIP) hadn’t discussed a federal health care exchange with lawmakers, and did not have the authority to accept $21 million in Federal grants(4) . Several days later, State Senator Jim Lembke issued a resolution designed to stop Governor Jay Nixon from implementing Obama’s federal health care plan in Missouri, but Scott Holste (spokesman for the governor’s office), believed the resolution unnecessary. Of course you do.

The recent tornado disaster in Joplin continues to weigh heavy on the hearts of Missourians, and our friends throughout the United States. And as we are profoundly encouraged by the countless efforts of local charities, and church groups, we’re also upset with how our Government has utilized this crisis as a means to further erode the Constitution. As Scott Kanowsky reported on August 23, 2011, Governor Nixon spent state funds for recovery efforts, without clear legislative approval(5). As a spokesperson for the Governor’s office refused to be recorded in regards to the incident, Senator Brad Lager stated that he saw no reason for the spending.

In other news, $700 million is a lot of cash, right? But not in the case of Missouri’s aging Highway system. Even as the inflated authority of the White House plans to reallocate the funds to fix 122 bridges in the Federal highway system, Missouri needs more. Because the state is ranked 7th in the United States for worst bridges, an additional $700 million from taxpayers will be required (through ex-Gov. Blunt’s “Safe and Sound” program) in order to repair 802 of the State’s OTHER bridges(6).

And then we’re all familiar of how in the United Socialists of America, when it comes to the Government giving you something – you’ve got to give something back. Well, Governor Jay Nixon must believe so as well, because in July, he signed a law requiring the drug testing of any welfare recipients who gave the State “reasonable cause”(7). If they test positive, they lose their honey-suckled benefits for three years. But why is it that several months later, the Missouri Department of Social Services still refuses to talk about it?

So wherever you are, or whatever you do, let’s be sure to keep the lines of communication and support open amongst our Tenther friends. For those of you living in other states, I’d encourage you to send in your own reports of what you’re doing in carrying the torch of liberty to a new generation. The time is now. Are you ready?